This is your brain on NutraSweet - and it isn't pretty

Got milk? A better question would be: Got seizures, migraine headaches, brain tumors or depression? If the dairy industry has its way, a major cause of these disorders in the form of aspartame could soon be a common ingredient in the milk supply. Bear in mind this is the chemical that has been linked with a laundry list of health issues, many of which are neurological. In light of the proposed new FDA rule that would allow artificial sweeteners like aspartame to be covertly included in dairy products, we have to consider: Is this really a chemical we want hidden within a popular food staple?

Legally lace food with poison and profit

Boycott botox and discover nature's fountain of youth

Instead of drastic surgical procedures, dangerous injections, or chemical ridden creams, many are turning to natural treatments to ease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. By utilizing a few simple techniques that can be implemented at home, the complexion is revitalized. Skin becomes radiant through the use of herbs, facial massage and diet.

Select medicinal plants are especially beneficial for the health of the skin. Hawthorn berry and the Ayurvedic herb ashwagandha are both powerful anti-aging tonics. Hawthorn protects against solar radiation and helps to oxygenate tissue while ashwagandha is a formidable antioxidant.

Topical oils naturally support beautiful skin as well. Essential oils of cypress, grapefruit, lemon, and peppermint stimulate the lymphatic system, thereby promoting detoxification and healthful skin. Rose helps to improve moisture retention and tone, whereas lavender tends to be astringent and tightens pores. Due to their concentrated nature, essential oils always need to be diluted in a carrier such as jojoba, almond, or olive oil.

Friendly Sage Braised Artichokes with Garlic

This recipe is dedicated to a very unique friend, Denise. I will forever associate her with artichokes –especially those of the braised kind. I have known Denise for about ten years now, connecting with her during a time when nutrient dense, health enhancing food was incredibly important for her family. Throughout the years we have kept in touch, she even 'adopted' a Staub cast-iron pot of mine for several years while I was traveling and living abroad. Denise continued the tradition of braised artichokes during all those years I was unable to. Through a turn of events over the last month, the pot landed back in my kitchen after seven years. I have to say, this first batch of braised artichokes cooked in the Staub were amazing – the pot is pretty much fool-proof and a joy to use. Thoughts of Denise and her family were a constant companion while preparing this delicious vegetable – I just wished we lived closer!

An apple a day keeps the doctor away (and makes you svelte, smart and strong too)

We have all heard the old adage "an apple a day keeps the doctor away," but new research has shown that apples have many more benefits than previously thought. Want to improve memory, endurance or weight loss? Eat an apple. How about boosting physical health? Apples can help. Threatening diseases like diabetes, osteoporosis, Alzheimer's, asthma and cancer are also diminished by this seemingly ordinary fruit.

A tasty daily habit for preventing major disease

Researchers have discovered that consistent consumption of apples fosters greater health. Asthmatic children who drink apple juice on a daily basis have less wheezing than those who only have apple juice once a month. Likewise, maternal consumption of apples has a positive effect on the well being of their children. Mothers who ate apples throughout pregnancy gave birth to children who had lower rates of asthma compared to those who consumed small amounts of the fruit. Apples also help to control diabetes. As a good source of galacturonic acid, apples curb the body's requirement for insulin. Even better, women who eat at least one apple a day lower their chances of developing Type II diabetes by 28 percent.

Gluten-Free Rooibos Sablé Cookies

As with many things French, the traditional Sablé cookie is laden with butter. For this recipe the coconut oil works beautifully as a healthy substitute. The rooibos tea used here came from a snappy little tea shop in Calgary, Alberta. This delightful tea, Rainbow Rooibos, has lovely flower petals of yellow and periwinkle along with essence of amaretto. Low glycemic coconut sugar is used as well for additional nutritional benefit.

Boost vigor and mental well-being by harmonizing copper levels in the body

Migraines, depression, fatigue and insomnia - these are just a few of the disorders that may be caused by a remarkably common nutritional imbalance of copper. When proper levels of this mineral are not maintained, illness and disease can develop. Since copper deficiency and toxicity have far reaching health consequences, it is vital to recognize the signs of imbalance.

Copper is an essential mineral necessary for many functions of the body. Along with iron, copper assists with red blood cell formation. It is also required for healthy connective tissue, bones and the nervous and immune systems. Copper is helpful in treating a wide range of illness from anemia to heart disease, leukemia to HIV/AIDS. In addition, hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis and certain types of mental illness all respond well to balanced copper levels. Excellent sources include avocado, sesame, asparagus, crimini mushrooms and molasses along with most organic grains and nuts.

Political and corporate elite shun GM food on their own plate

With a sad twist of irony, corporate and government elite dine on safe, organic food while the masses, those very people who are supposedly represented and protected by their governments, are poisoned by hidden genetically modified organisms, pesticides and dangerous contaminants. The presidential family demands organic food in their kitchen, yet behind closed doors, shake hands with the biotech industry. China's top brass is fed by an exclusive, gated organic garden while the rest of the population consumes GM food, steroid contaminated meat and dairy laced with melamine. Even Monsanto's own employee's command non-genetically modified food in their canteen. Access to clean, organic and healthy food is not a given right anymore -- it has become a political battleground with the average citizen suffering the loss.

Awaken supernatural health with aronia berry

Aronia berries are a little known superfood that have tremendous nutritional value. European researchers have extensively studied the extract of Aronia fruit and found it to be a nutrient dense food with incredible protective and healing properties. A host of health issues are eased with the Aronia berry including high-blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes. A rich source of antioxidants, this fruit also provides strong protection against aging and neurodegeneration.

Sometimes referred to as Chokeberries, the Aronia melanocarpa fruit is native to North America. These robust shrubs often grow in swamps and damp woodlands, able to withstand salty and harsh conditions. Growing to a maximum height of four meters, the plant produces clusters of dark purple fruit that are quite bitter due to the high tannin content. Cooking reduces the astringent quality of the berries, and they are frequently used in wine and jam making. Freezing the berries also tempers the bitter taste while increasing sweetness. Aronia berries were an integral part of a traditional Native American diet for centuries. Today, Aronia berries can be easily grown and cultivated in a backyard garden, often yielding up to 40 pounds of fruit per bush during the growing season.

Autumn and the season of sorrow: Heal grief naturally

Through the many different avenues of loss, everyone has experienced the effects of grief. The depression and sadness that accompany sorrow can weaken the immune system which creates an opportunity for illness. Chinese medicine considers autumn to be the season of grief and sorrow, making it especially important to nurture one's health and emotional wellness during this time of year.

Adequate vitamin C is essential. Camu Camu and Amla berries are the highest source of natural vitamin C. A good quality vitamin D supplement is very important for immune function as well. For adults, The Vitamin D Council advises at least 5,000 IU per day.

Buying clubs - A fresh approach to eating healthy on a budget

No doubt about it. Food prices are skyrocketing, especially organic, high-quality fare. With crop failure, bizarre weather patterns and the cost of living on the rise, it's no wonder eating healthy can be a challenge. But a relatively unheard of revolution is spreading across the U.S. and beyond: local buying clubs. Using the power of numbers, food costs are slashed by up to 50 percent. And the club offerings are of outstanding quality -- often organic, eco-friendly and healthful. It's a win-win situation for the consumer, farmer and environment.

Top healing foods that stop ovarian cancer in its tracks

Ovarian cancer is one of the most deadly diseases. It is the fifth leading cause of cancer death among US women -- an astounding 14,000 out of 23,000 diagnosed each year die. Ovarian cancer tends to be aggressive and generally has very few symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage.  Fortunately, several natural remedies have proven to be exceptionally useful in both preventing and curing this silent killer. Ginger, ginkgo biloba, green tea and flaxseed are all remarkably effective at destroying ovarian cancer cells and tumors -- hindering proliferation and increasing survival rates dramatically.

Food as medicine

Diet is extremely influential in preventing as well as healing ovarian cancer. Beyond consuming an abundant variety of fresh produce and limiting dairy, meat and sugar, certain foods specifically target ovarian cancer cells -- demonstrating extraordinary success in defeating this life-threatening disease.